What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking felbamate (Felbatol)?

Felbamate can cause serious side effects and is usually given only to people with severe epilepsy when the need for seizure control outweighs the risk of side effects. You may be asked to sign a consent form after you and your doctor have discussed the risks and benefits of taking felbamate.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to felbamate, or if you have liver disease or a history of blood cell disorders such as anemia.

To make sure felbamate is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease.

You may have thoughts about suicide while taking this medicine. Tell your doctor if you have depression or suicidal thoughts during the first several weeks of treatment, or whenever your dose is changed.

Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether felbamate will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

Felbamate can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take felbamate (Felbatol)?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

If you are switching to felbamate from another anticonvulsant medication, carefully follow your doctor's instructions about timing and dosage when switching from one drug to another. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose over several weeks or months to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) well just before you measure a dose. Measure the liquid with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Felbamate can cause a decrease in many types of blood cells (white cells, red cells, platelets). This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. Call your doctor at once if you have any unusual bleeding, weakness, or any signs of infection, including flu-like symptoms. These symptoms may first develop even after you have been using the medication for several months.

You may need regular medical tests to be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects. Visit your doctor regularly.

Do not stop using felbamate without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel fine. You may have increased seizures if you stop using felbamate suddenly. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.

Contact your doctor if your seizures get worse or you have them more often while taking felbamate.

Wear a medical alert tag or carry an ID card stating that you take felbamate. Any medical care provider who treats you should know that you take seizure medication.

Use felbamate regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.